Rapt attention: Firefighters listening to a briefing during their weekly training routine at Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Station in Seksyen 15. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA SELANGOR: The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department has started making preparations for the year-end monsoon.
Its director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said they had identified hotspots in seven districts in the state.
“We want to be ready for any eventuality and are making preparations especially at flood prone districts including Sepang, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat, Port Klang, Shah Alam, Bestari Jaya and Pulau Indah.
“We have 1,700 personnel and 92 boats on standby.
“We may also freeze annual leave of our personnel if the need arises,” he told reporters at the Kuala Selangor Fire Station here yesterday.
He said this month, many states could experience between 100mm and 450mm of rainfall.
“October is expected to be the transition period for the next monsoon season, and we urged all 38 fire stations in Selangor to be prepared,” he said.
When asked, Wan Md Razali said there was a need for more personnel and fire engines in Selangor.
“We have at least 200 positions to fill in the state and we also need more fire engines as our current assets are between 12 and 13 years old.
“The number fluctuates, but on our best day this year, we had 61% of our 76 fire rescue tenders working,” he said, adding that on average, at least 50% of their fleet would be down for maintenance and repairs.
Wan Md Razali said between January and Aug 31 this year, his personnel responded to 4,991 fires and 19,799 rescue calls.
